Speaking of legion, the collection grows….

My new favorite… “Happy Floral”. I just realized I didn’t get the backing in the photo but it is a coordinating stripe. Loved it so much I made myself one!

By request to add to the SEC Collection…UT Vols! It hurt me to bring orange in the house but know that this was made with great affection for my Rocky Top friends. I’m not sure about the coordinating ribbon. I have solid black or black/white houndstooth but didn’t know if that goes with the Vols. Y’all can let me know and I will customize if you like the other options better.

For the animal lovers out there… Zebra and Cheetah! Rahrrrr!!

As always, you can order using the PayPal logo in my sidebar. If you ordered a keychain last week, I completed all those projects this weekend and they will be mailed Tuesday morning.

All available:

SEC Collection:  Georgia Bulldogs, Crimson Tide, Auburn Tigers, and NEW  UT Vols.

Patterns:  Brocade, Mickey Mouse, Aqua Paisley, and NEW Happy Floral

Animal Prints:  NEW Cheetah and NEW Zebra

Auburn Tigers fans, here you go! This chain is printed fabric on front, backed in navy blue. Cost is $12 + $1 to mail and can be ordered through the PayPal logo in the sidebar. It will be interesting to see if these sell as well as Alabama!   (Yes, that was a challenge. War Eagles!)

Also have zebra print and another fun colorful print coming tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Are you a Mickey fan?  I love this pattern because it’s Mickey but not juvenile.

This reminds me of toile without being toile.  And I’m a fan of black and white no matter what.  I can also make this one with a black ribbon instead of red.  I just like the pop of color.

Both of these are styled from ribbon with a black webbed backing.  Carpet not included.

Other styles still available:

Bama selling like crazy and still available!

Still my favorite…

Aqua Paisley… I have enough fabric for 4 more of these.  Like all good things, as soon as I fall in love it disappears from the shelves and will not be restocked. Get them while you can!

As usual you can order from the Paypal logo in my sidebar.  Thank you!!

As for current styles I have:

7 Aqua Paisley (These have been the most popular and after these they will be gone. The fabric must have been a close out because I haven’t been able to find it again.)

Georgia Bulldogs

Alabama Tide

There are a few more on the way but I wanted to get the Bama ones rolling for all of you who are requesting them.

Again, thank you so much for the overwhelming response! You can place your order using the Paypal logo in the sidebar.

If you want him, come and claim him.  (Name that obscure LOTR reference, anyone?)

I’ve added the Georgia chain to the Paypal order options on the left.  Please note the SEC chains will be $12 rather than $10 because the supplies are $$$$.   I will be adding Alabama next week when I find a couple more things to make it awesome.  And sorry, Auburn fans, so far no luck on finding your school but I’m closing in on ribbon I’ve been told about.

Alrighty then, that’s it for today. Off to watch Sawyer play in Spring jamboree.  Yay football!

Once upon a time I was very crafty.  If you have only just met me in the last 10 years you will be amazed to know that I used to sew and even bake fresh breads on a regular basis.  Something about living the life of ministry and birthing four babies who all play sports effectively did away with any free time I had to do such things.  I packed away my sewing machine during one of our moves and there it has remained in the corner of the attic along with my inner-Martha for all these years.

A couple of weekends ago I had the joy of teaching at a retreat hosted by the women of Hull’s Grove Baptist in North Carolina.  It was hands down one of the best organized, coordinated, and thoughtful events I’ve ever had the privilege to be a part of.  Someone asked me why it stood out and I would have to say the attention to every detail.  It was spa-themed and so the staff ministry wives raided Pinterest and hand-made several gifts and favors that were both inexpensive and needful.  There were four teaching sessions and before each one the girls would bless the attendees with another “gift” at their table before they arrived.  Loved it and I love them.

The retreat even included a “craft” which intrigued me because I’ve not seen that in a very long time.  I envisioned painting clay pot pilgrims or something of the like.  But no, once again the girls came up with an adorable necklace from Pinterest that I’m completely in love with.  And yes, I even used to make jewelry so to say this little retreat awakened the craft bug in me is an understatement.

Before I left, one of my new friends blessed me with a fabric keychain she had made from webbing and ribbon.  One of the teaching points for the weekend suggested that a woman who is Living the Good Life is easily satisfied when she is first delighted by God.  In other words, it doesn’t take much.  I have been absolutely obsessed with my keychain for it’s practicality, the scripture reference, and the heart of the darlin’ woman who made it.  It truly is the little things, girls.

That parting gift just did it for me.  I was coming home and getting my sewing machine back out if it killed me.  I dug into the far recesses of the attic, set it up, bought a few supplies and have been on a keychain-making binge.  And then it occurred to me that a little cottage industry would be a nice way to make some extra money for the summer when “work” is slim and the kids are home eating and eating and eating some more.  Anyone who ever complained about the cost of school lunches never had to feed my four when they are home 24 hours a day. School is cheaper.  Much, much cheaper.

With that said, I have keychains for sale!  Here is what is currently available…

 The Aqua Paisley and Red Paisley are coordinating fabrics.  Each of these keychains is backed with the other.

This chain is ribbon with a webbed backing.  Hey all you Hornet fans, these colors are for you!

 Sydney loves all things owl so couldn’t resist this one.  It is also ribbon with a webbed backing.

I don’t know if toile is still “in” but I will always love it.  This chain is made from 2 fabrics and is backed with black/white gingham.

Each keychain is approximately 6″ long and slips easily over the wrist. This has literally changed my life when I’m lugging things around at the ballfield or trying to wrangle groceries into the car.

If you would like to purchase, you can do so easily through Paypal. Simply use the secure order form in the right sidebar. There is a drop down menu to make your fabric choice. All are $10 with $1 added for S&H.

Also, if you have colors, etc. you would like to see let me know and I’ll see what I can come up with. I’m currently on the hunt for SEC school ribbon to get ready for football season.   And of course, if you order anything at all, I will be ever so grateful!

Questions?  Leave a comment or email me through the contact page.  Also, if you do order please leave a comment so I can be certain the order notification is working correctly through the PayPal site.

Y’all are awesome.

And so he bravely blazed a trail through the lovely woods…..

….where at path’s end he would lay a cornerstone upon deep bedrock.

Daily he walked this small piece of earth feeling the acceptance of the trees.  In return for his love they offered shelter.  Refuge.

As the house took shape, the forest embraced the man and through every window whispered a promise to his family: We will be your peace.

And then the unthinkable happened.  The calamity from which the man had hidden found him and paid a furious visit. The Gentle Wood resisted this unwelcome guest but the swirling disaster proved too great.  The pines crashed to the ground with great regret.  We are sorry we weren’t stronger.  

The man and his family grieved.  The green was gone.  Refuge had given way to vulnerability.  They were now exposed.  Unsafe. 

A few lone sentinels remained on the other side of the glass in honor of those too aged to bend.  A remnant. 

Gone was the shelter.  The man’s peace was stolen…or so it was believed.

As the man worked to restore the much greater loss of those around him, purpose replaced self-pity.  Pain loosened its choking grip.  Though justified, his disappointment kneeled at the feet of perspective.  It bowed upon hallowed ground.

The man surveyed his own home place, searching for new covering.  It was not to be found.  Rather, his awareness was drawn downward.  Underneath.   To the foundation.

The foundation had saved his family’s life.

Though invisible, unbending.  Though unlovely, stable.  Because the wise man chose well his building place, when the winds came and blew and beat against his house, it proved steadfast.  Though trees swayed, though the earth gave way, the cornerstone remained.  The family found refuge until the calamity was overpast. Not in the trees, but in the Rock.

Deliverance.

Though saved, this season of unnatural disaster threatened a cruel epoch for the man.  Time, however, came to his defense and did not stand still nor give destruction rule. Time destroyed evil’s intent by doing nothing more than what it knows best -  it passed.

And days grew brighter.

They are bright.

It is with joy the man treasures his fruitful vine, his olive shoots.  With deep respect he regards the remnant whose budding branches embrace the return of the singing ones. It is with hope the man repairs, rebuilds, and places new growth into his beloved ground.  It is in faith he finds true refuge in Who lies beneath.

And it is in this manner the man and his family continue to dwell.

Happily, safely, ever after.

In honor of those lives lost and changed forever on April 27, 2011 and in deep gratitude to those thousands who have come and continue to come to the rescue.

The week was a whirl in all the best ways.  Monday I taught in Fort Payne and ate desserts that changed my life.  They were all delicious but one was a lemon cheesecake tartlet of some sort and as of now all other sweets are dead to me.  Except for my beloved Key Lime Pie from Sweet Mama’s on St. Simon’s Island, GA but I must allow that the cheesecake was a contender for Best Food This Side of Heaven.  For those of you who know me, well, you know that is a monumental if not slightly hyperbolic statement.  (And if my sweet friends from Ft. Payne FBC are reading please know I am only assuming it was a cheesecake.  It may have been a pie. I am no sweet genius.  Either way, I didn’t ask because why bond with something I may never have the joy of tasting again?)

Tuesday we played baseball where I have been drafted as the official bookkeeper for the team – a position for which I am ill-qualified.  Each game I study the inside cover of the book in an attempt to record information that is somewhat meaningful later.  Let’s just say there has been some creative symbolism aka caveman drawings taking place and it will be a miracle if Coach can determine what stick men with cartoon “oops” balloons coming from their mouth is my symbol for “Error”.  My friend Robyn told me about a fabulous app she uses to keep book for her daughter’s softball team.  It sounds heavenly but here’s the reality:  She lives in Birmingham and they are slightly more advanced than we Sand Mountain bookkeepers.  I am confident we will not be making the electronic leap this year.  Or in any year that begins with 201_.  But I do appreciate your trying Robyn.  I want to be cool.  And live close to a Target.  And have pizza delivery and internet service that doesn’t have “Boonie” in the title.  But, these are the things we sacrifice for simplicity.  Have I mentioned lately I adore my small town?

I should also mention Tuesday was Tax Day.  If you are a minister’s family, then you understand why I spent the day finishing up with our accountant and then weeping silently.  Ministry Tax Code is a contemporary flogging of the Lord’s elect.

Wednesday night was church.  For the past several weeks we have been in a series Luke has simply entitled, “The Testimonies”. Each Wednesday one of our adults has agreed to share their story of faith with our combined youth and adult classes.  We weren’t sure how the youth would respond but they have been captivated and hit the door each week wanting to know who is next.  After each testimony, Luke has been sharing the gospel in a way relevant to what they have just heard.  This week, the atmosphere was so thick that I didn’t even close my eyes during closing prayer because I was confident in spirit that someone was going to be saved.  I was not wrong.  A darling 14 year old girl who we have loved since she was a child gave her heart and life to Christ.  It was beautiful.  What’s more is this week I’ve had contact with a mom saying her child wants to be born again but was just too shy to come before the crowd.  There is also another girl who wants to have more questions answered.  The Lord is at work in our church and He is certainly at work within our youth.  And that from the faith stories of the adults.  My point in all this?  TELL YOUR STORY.  They want to know it.  They need to know it.  It changes them and it changes you.

I don’t know what we did Thursday night.  As in, no clue whatsoever.

Friday night I travelled to Hokes Bluff to serve the precious women of the FBC at their annual women’s night.  I had the privilege of speaking there last year as well which consequently was just 2 weeks before the tornado.  I really hadn’t thought about how much had happened since my last visit with them and so I may have been just a wee bit emotional.  What a dumb cry baby.  I truly don’t know why you suffer me but I’m glad you do.  Because you are adorable.

Saturday Luke, Sydney and I went to the wedding of darlin’ RiLee.  She is a young woman special to me for many reasons that I won’t expound upon here.  Let’s just say I’ve rooted for her for so very long and believed the Lord had a hope and a future for her when perhaps she didn’t.  To see her beautiful self draped in white and that smiling face walking into the sunset with her cutie pie husband was joy fulfilled.  At several points during the ceremony and afterward Luke told Sydney not to even think about getting married. I can’t even imagine what  basket case he will be when his baby girl walks the aisle.  May I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Dumb Cry Baby.

Sunday we had a great message at church where Luke preached on the Sadduccees and the Scribe whom Jesus told, “You are close to the Kingdom”.  Unfortunately, really close might as well be a million miles away where relationship with Jesus is concerned.  How heartbreaking to think we were right there and didn’t step across the line. Or maybe we did step across it but didn’t venture further up, further in.  I am going to resist elaborating here because I’m a good 1000 words in and I’m guessing you are wanting this to wrap up like I am.  However, I can not conclude without saying Happy Birthday to our little buddy Casi who just turned 13 and invited us to his awesome birthday party Sunday afternoon.  The Lord is going to use that boy mightily for the Kingdom, of this I am confident.

Wow, if you are still with me then you must be easily entertained.  This is what a post looks like when a girl should have written daily but didn’t.  If you have forgotten half of what I’ve blabbered on about then allow me to suggest talking points for comments:

1. A dessert that changed your life.

2. The sports your kids play and if you’ve ever gotten roped into being team mom, scorekeeper, coach, etc.

3. Ideas for relating with church youth. ( HELP!)

4. If you’ve ever cried in front of a crowd of people.  Awkwardly.  And….

5. ….the best message your pastor has preached lately. 

Let’s hear it!

I’ve been working on two proposals on and off for the last year but family and church and a busy teaching schedule have come first.  There’s just only so much a 40-year-old-Diet-Dr.-Pepper embalmed brain can take.  Most people would actually sell a book and then tell you about it but because you girls have always been such a source of great wisdom to me and because I write these things in hope they will be relevant and needful and meaningful to you, I choose to work in the opposite way.  In fact, I have no idea if any publisher will be in the least bit interested but again, that is not the reason I write.  With that said, I am posting The Introduction to the most complete of the two proposals: Ransoming Leah:  The Buy One Get One Sister.   After some discussion, I will post Chapter One (which is all I have written currently) later in the week so I can feel this thing out through your conversation.  By then I will hopefully have heard from a few publishing friends who are reading and I can have some idea whether to curl up in a fetal position or not.

I know I’ve not been a faithful blogger and perhaps it is unfair for me to pop in and ask for assistance, yet again.  But, if I ask nicely will you let me know if this book and the topic of God-ascribed worth resonates with you at all?  And if it’s close, but not quite there, PLEASE, share those thoughts with me.  I don’t want my own experience to be a blinder to yours.

Enough blabbering.  Here it is:

Ransoming Leah: The Buy One Get One Sister 

 

 

Introduction

As a woman in my early 20’s and not yet a Christian, I struggled greatly in determining what I wanted to be when I grew up. I took classes in computer programming, nursing, and cosmetology.  Each program taught me some valuable things:  1) I am not a logical thinker, 2) I ashamedly lack the compassion to care for the ‘messier’ needs of others and, 3) I would sooner enter a cage with a hungry bobcat than with a woman whose hair I had wrecked.

 

There were many great teachers in all these pursuits but you may be surprised to find the most profound thought came from a locally renowned hairdresser who took me under her wing – that is until my esteem issues helped me realize I could never be her equal causing me to fly the coop.  We were in her studio and she began to explain to me why she charged almost double for her work in relation to all the other shops in the area. I’m paraphrasing but in theory she said, “I can give the same haircut to someone and either charge $10 or $20.  In the client’s mind, the $10 cut will always just be a common one they could get anywhere.  But if they pay $20, they walk out feeling they have something really spectacular.  The high price gives the style more worth.”

 

That was almost 20 years ago and the thought is still intriguing.  A thing is worth what a person is willing to pay.  Translate that into the real world with the housing market and you have the concept of appraisal.  It doesn’t matter what a seller asks for his property, it’s only as valuable as the offers he receives.  This can be depressing for a homeowner who is way more invested than what a post-economic meltdown economy can support.  His own idea of value is shattered.

 

But let’s think about this concept in terms of the spiritual realm.  Those who have placed their trust in Christ have been ransomed – redeemed at an exorbitant price.  If Christian women truly attached value to our own lives based on the value Christ has ascribed to us (Isaiah 43), we would all be just like the women who walk out of my friend’s studio feeling like a million bucks.  A woman confident in her worth operates on a different plane.  She is humble and yet bold before God and doesn’t feel she has to perform to earn the love she already owns.  She doesn’t find her significance in her job title. She doesn’t strive with other women in an attempt measure up.  She doesn’t jump from relationship to relationship trying to find that man who will complete her.   She doesn’t stumble over herself to befriend “important” people whose perceived value she can somehow borrow.

 

This description of the woman who “doesn’t” comes to you from a woman who did.

 

It wasn’t a particularly special day when the Lord decided it was time we move past my flawed thinking where worth was concerned.  In fact, I think He was just sick to death of me and had determined we were going to move on whether it killed me or not.  I had gone to my quiet place in our Community Park to pray and journal.  For those of you who love the practice of chronicling your faith as I do, then you understand there are times when words will flow from your pen that you are certain you weren’t smart enough to come up with on your own.

 

In my loopy, trademark scribble, I was whining about how much I wanted to feel worthy of God’s love, to be good enough for Him to trust with great things, and to quit measuring myself by the accomplishments of other women, when these words appeared:  “Lord, I just want to be your Rachel and not your Leah.  I want to be the one you run to and not the one always begging for your attention.  I want to be your desire, not your duty.

 

It was an epiphany.

 

This belief that my worth to God was sub-par in comparison with others who could not possibly be near as flaky as me was so deeply imbedded into my thought processes that I didn’t have the capacity to separate fact from fiction.  I immediately flipped to the Old Testament and re-read the account of these two sisters and how they warred for the affection of their common husband. (Genesis 29-35)  Dumfounded at the similarities, I carefully raised their character traits up as a lens through which I could evaluate the way I moved through life.  Much like Leah’s realization of her husband’s disdain for her, this false idea that God was forced to love me in order to remain faithful to His part of a salvation contract had become my belief system.   I was convinced He rolled his eyes when He saw me coming but yet – because He was an honorable husband – would make sure my basic needs were met while He poured His favor upon the ones who lit up His eyes through their exceptional ability to be enough.  Faithful  enough.  Obedient enough. Gentle enough.  Strong enough.  Forgiving enough.  Lovely enough.  Patient enough.  Kind enough.   Rachel enough.

 

If this first realization was the left hook then the next was the knock out right.  A woman who believes she is loved out of duty will love that way in return.  Immediately my mind returned to my church and home and the attitude with which I served God and my family.  How many ministry tasks had I taken on for no other reason than I wanted to prove my value in the Kingdom?   Unsurprisingly, there aren’t enough casseroles donated to potlucks than can buy our way to God’s favor.  At least my casseroles anyway.  ( I never claimed to be a great cook.)

 

Where family was concerned, I was so ashamed to admit to myself how at times I made them fend for themselves instead of doing those little extra things that make life a little less complicated.  For example, I threw (still often throw?) socks into a common basket for the kids to mate themselves instead of pairing them to save them the time and frustration. (Please tell me we aren’t the only family with a sock basket.)    I listened to my husband run through his sermon on Sunday morning thinking of everything but what he was saying rather than encourage him on the one day a week he needed it most.  I rushed through night-time prayers with my children so I could go to bed and get the rest I so obviously deserved instead of tucking them in and listening to those bits of precious conversation that often only come just before sleep.   I was performing a job without the joy and I wasn’t the only one paying for it.  Could it be my own sense of worthlessness – that God did not consider me special enough to throw in any extra effort – was resulting in my own husband, my own children, feeling like they weren’t worth very much to me?

 

The way in which I associated with others suffered as well.   Before I was saved, I desperately sought alliances in the workplace that I thought may bring some advancement later.  However, in a strange twist I can’t quite explain, post-salvation I found myself testing the waters of potential friendships/ministry relationships like a cowering puppy until I was assured I was wanted.  If there was any hint of being patronized, of being patted on the head and then dismissed, I high-tailed it out of there.  Who needs confirmation she is a person of no consequence?  My rationale?  If I didn’t get overly invested, if I didn’t care as much, it wouldn’t hurt as much.  I didn’t love well because I wasn’t convinced I was well loved.

 

Philip Yancey stated these thoughts beautifully in the book, “Reaching for the Invisible God”.

 

“Suppose there were a person who always saw the possibilities in you, who always forgave you for what you are and who constantly, sympathetically challenged you to become what you should be.  And suppose this person is not just anyone, but is a person to whom you and everyone else is ultimately responsible.  Would not such a person enable you to discover the power of love, to realize the truth of the claim that only the loved can love?  Would not such a person be loved in your love for yourself and for others? If so, then in devotion to that person you would love yourself and your neighbor as you love yourself.  And that would be something truly awesome.”  (Bibliography 1. P. 227-228  Yancy, Reaching for the Invisible God)

 

And of course there is the flip side of duty:  desperation.  Instead of loving because we have to, jealousy drives us to work like crazy to manipulate return affection.  Like Leah and Rachel, needy women will stop at nothing to gain a sense of value.  The unfortunate truth is that a needy woman is a greedy woman.  It’s a rare person who can fulfill the desires of one whose first source of fulfillment isn’t God.  My husband is an excellent mate, but as much as he loves me, he can’t fill me.  That doesn’t mean I’ve not tried to suck the life out of him in hopes that he could.  And then there are the teenage girls and grown single women out there who’ve been sold the lie that you are not complete without a man.  No.  Just no, sweet girls.  This is much bigger business.

 

 

 

No More BOGO (Buy One, Get One)

Fundamentally, this desire to be desired and to measure up to the girl next to us is rooted in our sense of significance and worth (or lack of it).  What are we worth, really?  What value has been ascribed to us?  God answered that question in a currency term that if we could ever fully wrap our minds around, would at least shift our perspective and at best forever cure this Leah mentality – the one that defines us as the Buy One, Get One Free sister.  What is that term of worth?  Ransom.

 

God knew a woman would understand love in terms of what it cost the one professing it and the lengths to which He would go to prove it.  Secularly we call it obsession and it is the driving force behind The Twilight series.  A woman swoons over the man who is so captivated by her very being that he would fight all the demons of hell – literally – for her.  The redeemed version of this romance is embracing the healthy jealousy of God.  He was willing to die for me, for you. The proof was in the great exchange of His Son for us.  Life for life. I don’t presume to know the mind of God but somehow I imagine He knew the tender hearts of His Eves and that every one of us would at some point ask the question: “Am I enough? Was I worth it?”  He answered it in Genesis through Revelation by employing this concept of ransom whereby He paid a scandalously high price to secure us as His own.  But unlike Jacob, God was not surprised by his bride or offended by her weaknesses or sickened at the thought that he paid a fortune for the lesser sibling.  And perhaps the thing I have the hardest time accepting is that the ransom wasn’t paid because He had any hopes we could ever repay.  How many of us are caught up in the trap of earning affection we already have?  If you want to set yourself up to feel like a disappointment, try to earn God’s loving-kindness.  You will fail every time.  Discouraging, isn’t it?

 

It doesn’t have to be.  Now that we are beginning to name the thing that plagues so many of us – this idea we are somehow not as valuable as the one next to us, that every day is payback time, or that we just do not measure up and consequently jump headlong into an ocean of self-condemnation  – we can determine how to move on from here.  In the pages of this book we will explore the attitudes and actions of a Buy One Get One Sister, the scriptural remedies for the same, and arrive at perspective-shifting conclusions that will forever change the way you relate to God and the people He has placed in your midst.

 

The Approach:

Each chapter will focus on a particular portion of the Leah/Rachel drama in which we will discuss topics implicit to the text.  Please take time for the suggested background reading in order to capture the full context.  At the end of each chapter you will find “Time to Focus” questions that are perfect for a small group/bible study setting.  Also provided is a “Perspective Shift” that will serve as a guide to changed thought processes based on what we’ve learned together.

 

And now a final disclaimer in order to satisfy my scholar husband who has a peeve for Old Testament spiritualization and without whose encouragement and wisdom I would not dare attempt to write:

 

The relationship between Leah, Rachel, and their husband, Jacob will serve as the text for this volume therefore I want to point out something I think is crucial to keep at the forefront of our minds as we study.  Old Testament narrative is not meant to serve as a treatise on morality nor is the main purpose of the Leah/Rachel/Jacob narrative to demonstrate the evils and consequences of jealousy, polygamy, etc.  The main purpose of these stories is to convey how the individual actions and decisions – be they good or bad – of  God’s covenant people work to bring about the redemptive purpose of God.  However, there are many implicit issues woven throughout this saga for which we will find and examine many principles throughout scripture.  My prayer is that the strivings of these sisters will serve as an illustration to help you recognize your own wrestlings in the same way they caused me to see myself more clearly through their story.

 

 

Thoughts?

But then again, there are those rare times when I get to reconnect with a forever friend which is precisely what happened this past weekend when I had the joy of serving my friend Christy and her church girls in the gorgeous Tennessee countryside.  Christy and Derek are Bible college and seminary buddies who - even though we’ve not seen them in years –  remain one of those couples we will adore always.  I told her this weekend they are touchstone friends.  Ones that call you back to a time when life was a little simpler primarily because our entire focus was preparing for the ministry God had for our families.  A lot of life has happened since then and at times a girl considers quitting.  Seeing people like Christy cures thoughts like that.

I had some lovely pictures of the home where the retreat was held but unfortunately, I shattered the screen on my phone Saturday night.  In order to pull them up and get them to the computer I would have to cut my fingers to shreds.  Rather, please imagine with me a gracious family with a cabin nestled against the Tennessee mountains with a grand view of blue sky and green hills.  Imagine walking through the door and feeling immediately at home and knowing if you decided to stay a week this precious family would be delighted.  (Thank you Tom, Cheryl, and girls for your hospitality.  What a rare gift!)

Christy’s church girls were fantastic.  Just took me in like I was one of their own.  I hesitate to call names because I don’t want to leave out all the great girls I met but I MUST call out Jeannie, the church administrative assistant, because y’all, she actually “knew” me from my blog before she figured out Christy and I were bff.  That may have happened only two times EVER so that makes you special, sister!  One of a very small group..ha!  Which begs the question, why didn’t we get our picture!  Gah!

Saturday came much too quickly and when it was all over I was thinking, “Really?  That’s it?  Can’t we make this thing last a little longer?”  Yes, it was way too short but what it lacked in length it made of for in depth.  Meaningful doesn’t cover it.  I deeply hope I get the chance to connect with all you girls again soon.  Christy and I are going to move heaven and earth to get the husbands in on our next meeting.

One other thing I want to share with you.  Christy and Derek are adopting two boys from an orphanage in Ghana and she has a wonderful blog chronicling their journey.  I know she would love for y’all to connect with her there at Just Like Us.

Okay, it’s time to shut this thing down and get some sleep.  Pray you had a great weekend, too!  What kind of fun did you have?